BMW will increase i8 production to reduce waiting time of up to 18 months

The BMW i8 is probably the most futuristic plug-in hybrid sports car available on the market and it appears that many people sees it this way as the German coupe sees high demand. In order to reduce waiting time, which is currently 18 months, BMW sales and marketing chief Ian Robertson said that the carmaker may have to increase production.

The BMW i8 is produced at company’s factory in Leipzig Germany and it appears that the manufacturer didn’t expect to see the i8 becoming too popular and planned the vehicle as a low-volume model. BMW managed to deliver 760 i8 sports cars this year and the Bavarian manufacturer is expected to increase production to 4,318 units next year.

For those who don’t know, the BMW i8 is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine that generates 231 hp (170 kW) and 320 Nm of torque, which powers the rear wheels. In addition, the i8 is fitted with an electric motor that produces 131 hp (96 kW) and 250 Nm of torque that powers the front wheels.

The total output delivered by the hybrid system is 362 hp (266 kW) and 570 Nm of torque. The BMW i8 is able to accelerate form 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds, while top speed is 155 mph or 250 km/h. Using just the energy stored in the lithium-ion battery, the i8 offers a range of 20 miles (32 km) and a top speed of 75 mph or 120 km/h.